Scavenger birds’ count rises in Pune

Pointing out to the increasing number of scavenger bird species in Pune, assistant conservator of forest and author of the book, Birds of Pune, Prabhakar Kukdolkar, said it is an indication of rising pollution and garbage in the city.

Natural Resources Conservator’s Organisation (NRCO), a city-based organisation working for sustainable development and conservation of natural resources, will release Kukdolkar’s pictorial guide for bird watchers on March 20 to mark World Forestry Day.

Noted ornithologist and conservationist, Prakash Gole, will release the book at Patrakar Bhavan at 4pm.

Kukdolkar, who compiled the book after a year-long study of the species found in Pune district, said birds are excellent environmental indicators. He said the expanding city, felling of trees and polluted water bodies are causing a decline in biodiversity and posing threat to birds.

“Many birds like Lesser Flamingo and Reef Heron are no more sighted in Pune. Because of vanishing forests, birds like the Forest Crow are now coming to cities. The increased number of Black-winged Stilt in the city indicates rise in pollution,” he said.
Kukdolkar, who has been working in the field of forest and wildlife for 28 years, feels that protecting the hills in Pune and the wetlands around the city should be the top priority if the city wants to attract a variety of birds and conserve biodiversity.

“We have beautiful wetlands like Bhigwan in and around the city which are neglected,” said Kukdolkar, who has also authored Bibtya Kuthe Janar, on man-animal conflict.

NRCO will hold Kukdolkar’s photo exhibition on biodiversity at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s art gallery on Ghole Road on April 22, to mark Earth Day.